Volcano erupts Central Costa Rica, belching smoke and ash.....

Volcano ash covers Costa Rica towns

• 21 May 2016
 
• From the section Latin America & Caribbean

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionThe eruption is believed to be the strongest in the past six years

A volcano has erupted in central Costa Rica, belching smoke and ash up to 3,000m (9,840ft) into the air. 

Hundreds of people have gone to hospital, complaining of breathing difficulties and skin problems. 

Some schools were shut and some flights into the country cancelled or diverted. 

People in the capital San Jose, about 45km (30 miles) west of the Turrialba volcano, said layers of ash had coated buildings and cars and there was a fierce smell of sulphur. 

Costa Rica's National Emergencies Commission has advised people to wear masks and tight clothing to protect their lungs and skin.

"It seems to me to be the strongest (Turrialba) eruption in the past six years," volcanologist Gino Gonzalez told reporters.

Costa Rica is home to dozens of volcanoes, but most of them are dormant.

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionResidents in the nearby communities have been advised to wear masks and tight clothing to protect their lungs and skin

Image copyrightREUTERS

Image captionVolcano ash has darkened the capital San Jose

Image copyrightEPA

Image captionMany local residents have been sharing their pictures of the erupting volcano on social media